How to Survive Valentine’s Day

Ahh V-day…

That day in mid-February that’s full of hearts and rainbows and obnoxious expectations of gifts & romance. I’ve never been a fan of this holiday, to be honest.When single, you can’t help but feel sorry foryourself and try not to notice your co-workers getting heart shaped deliveries and mountains of baby’s breath (with some red roses in between there…yes I hate baby’s breath 🙂 ).Not only have I received gifts that I wouldn’t ever want, but I felt a guilty obligation to go out and buy cutesy toys and embarrassing undergarments, just in the name of St. Valentine.I have been asked over and over for Valentine’s day date ideas or gift ideas and at first, it made me a little nauseous, but the more I sipped on the thought of this day of Love, the more open to it I became.

Besides, when else is there a day where EVERYONE thinks about the same topic?Thanksgiving, sure.When you’re surrounded by family and you’re forced to talk about what you’re grateful for.But Valentines day actually forces those of us that are too busy running or wobbling though our days to think about love and having a special person in our life.It kind of slaps you in the face with the arrow and either makes you feel warm & fuzzy or sad & pathetic.Either way – you can’t escape it.You have to think about it.Which, I suppose, isn’t all that bad of a thing, actually.

1. a. You realize you’re missing something, aka someone, and take the steps to add that to your life.

2. b. You stop and smell the roses – You take the time to appreciate and love that special person in your life

3. c. You’re in a relationship but when you see all the other happy couples and lovey dovey crap that goes on around this time, you realize you don’t feel that in your relationship, and make an effort to fix it.

SINGLES:

For all the singles out there, I think that this dreaded-by-many day is actually an incredible opportunity.When else do you have pretty much the entire country thinking about LOVE?So, if you’ve had that special someone that’s been on your mind, a love interest you haven’t had the balls to ask out, or perhaps even an ex that you want back – this day, Valentine’s day, is perfect.Love is on everyone’s mind and sharing how you feel will only benefit you.However the interaction or your confession goes – it’ll be received at the most opportune time of the year, and you’ll be relieved that you shared how you feel.Yes, you may not(and to be honest most likely won’t) getthe reaction you’re hoping for – but at least you’re going after what you want and removing the “What If”.No regrets.You don’t want to look back in life and regret not sharing your feelings for someone.So, I say – Write that email, send that Facebook message, deliver that hand-written note to that special person and tell them how you feel and what you love about them.Not only will it make them feel good, but it may just be the necessary step in starting a love story.

COUPLES:

For my couples out there, I have a few suggestions/tips:

·Keep in mind that Gestures, Not Gifts carry the most meaning

·It’s the Thought and Effort, not price tag that matter most

If you’re not sure what to get them – here are some ideas:

Reasons Why I Love You

Write down 5, 10, 20 Reasons why you Love your Partner.This can be on Post-it Notes even, hand-written, in a stack with the top one titled “Reasons Why I love you”.

Taking the same concept, and adding flowers to the mix.Attach the note to each Flower you give them.Obviously the more, the merrier.Get creative and add some humor to this one.They’ll love it.

You can obviously do this with candy, balloons, whatever your love’s favorite item is.But the fact that you took the time to think about your favorite thing about your sweetie will mean the world to them.

It’s amazing how many people are in relationships but don’t know or have forgotten what each other loves about the other person.Things like “how you snort when you laugh”“how you wrinkle your nose”“for always getting my jokes”“for inspiring me to be the best me”….You can take it from here J

Love Surprises

This one can include just one surprise or a full day of them, depending on how much effort you want to put into it.

Put a note (or many notes) in his/her pocket, purse, desk – whatever.And text them at a certain time telling them to “check your pocket”.Those notes can talk about whatever you want – Reminiscing your favorite moments during your relationship, or flirty nothings to make them smile.Let your imagination go wild.It can be a ticket to a show/movie/event that evening.It can be a gift card to their favorite store, or an address and time of where and when they should meet you for a surprise evening activity of your choice. You can reveal more and more as the day keeps going, if you wish.It’s all up to you!

According to Mail Online News, this is the order of preferences for Women vs Men:

“Women’s natures are constructed so as to make relationships and communication their top priorities, so hearing and receiving messages of affection will definitely strike a chord with them.

Men, on the other hand, prefer actions to words, and eating a mean (especially one made for him) reminds him of being cared for and loved.

Although there are differences between the sexes, what they share in common is even greater – the need to experience little, reassuring gestures of affection, given freely and thoughtfully, every day of their lives.”

Whatever you decide to do on this day, I hope it’s full of thoughts of love and appreciation…and bubbly.There’s something about bubbly that makes everything a little more cheerful and special.

Cheers!

~M

marina

About Marina Lavochin

Why I’m obsessed with James Bond…

Growing up in Russia and in a religious family I had very limited access to tv or movies. My dad loved the James Bond movies and a few other series like Crocodile Dundee and Harrison Ford. James Bond was my favorite.

He’s always in control, very simple classic attire, doesn’t say much but speaks with purpose, and has a mission that no woman can get in the way of.